President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. celebrated his birthday on Friday, extending PhP3.19 billion in financial assistance and government services through the simultaneous nationwide “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat” program in 82 provinces.
Among the government agencies that are providing services are the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also provide government services to the public.
Of the PhP3.19 billion, the DOH allocated PhP328 million to 22 tertiary hospitals nationwide to cover the medical expenses of patients who are confined and undergoing treatment, while the DTI will participate in the KADIWA ng Pangulo activities.
The DTI will also conduct business name registrations, business counseling, entrepreneurial training/services, and a mini trade fair.
Some PhP1.38 billion worth of assistance was allocated by the DOLE, comprising PhP1.120 billion under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), PhP191.83 million for the Integrated Livelihood Program, and PhP53.48 million for the Government Internship Program.
The DOLE also allocated PhP14.69 million for its Special Program for Employment of Students. It will provide 66 job fair sites across 58 provinces and 16 regions in the Philippines.
TESDA, for its part, will organize 100 skills demonstrations at various sites, offer 7,416 available slots for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrollment facilitation in 122 sites, and distribute training support funds to 12,038 beneficiaries amounting to PhP46.17 million.
TESDA will also provide toolkits worth PhP5.77 million to 1,390 beneficiaries, PhP48.12 million in scholarship grants to 2,224 beneficiaries, and offer free services like haircuts, body massages, and manicures/pedicures, along with products such as brewed coffee and pastry items.
In his speech during the launch of the “Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program” in Nueva Ecija on Friday, President Marcos said KADIWA stores will be set up nationwide to provide affordable agricultural products.
President Marcos also mentioned that seedlings, fertilizers, and other assistance will be provided under the Sustainable Livelihood Program and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).
There will also be job fairs and a Government Internship Program, according to the Chief Executive.
“Magbibigay din po tayo ng [scholarships] at at saka [toolkits] at magsasagawa ng skills demonstrations sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Mag-aalok din tayo ng mga slot para pwedeng gamitin ng ating mag-aaral, at ‘yung magti-training, magamit nila ‘yan sa TVET,” President Marcos told the residents in Nueva Ecija.
“Ang lahat ng ito ay naglalayong bigyan ang bawat Pilipino ng bagong pagkakataon upang magtagumpay,” he added.
President Marcos further stated that the government will extend medical services. He also covered the hospital bills of all patients confined in Level 3 public hospitals across the Philippines, including the Dr. Paulino Garcia Memorial Hospital in Nueva Ecija.
Mini trade fairs, business counseling, and entrepreneurial training will also be organized.
The “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat” program aims to bring government services closer to the Filipino people, introduce key government programs, and provide assistance to help them start their livelihoods and support their daily needs, especially in calamity-stricken areas. (PCO)
